A maiden Test century for Ajinkya Rahane has put India in coomand against New Zealand in last of two-match Test series in Wellington.
The visitors India were eventually bowled out for 438 after tea on the second day at the Basin Reserve on Saturday, which gave them a huge 246-run lead.
New Zealand in reply has already lost a wicket Peter Fulton (1) who was adjudged leg-before wicket off Zaheer Khan’s bowling.
The hosts are 24/1 at the close of play with Hamish Rutherford (18 not out) and Kane Williamson (4 not out) at the crease. The Kiwis are still trailing by 22 runs.
Rahane smashed a quick-fire 118 off just 158 balls to inflict further pain on New Zealand as the hosts were dismissed for a paltry 192 on day 1.
The kiwis it seems missed their important player Ross Taylor will probably now need to bat for at least five sessions to prevent India from winning this match and equalizing the two match series.
Batting conditions were far friendlier on day two, but having said that New Zealand bowlers were guilty of bowling straying from their line and length, which were duly punished by the Indian middle and lower order, who were hell bent on scoring at more than four runs per over.
The day started at 100-2, with opener Shikhar Dhawan laying the foundation with sloid 98 as pitch began to flatten out with clear skies and Sun beating down the Basin Reserve.
Rahane, who brought up his first hundred in just his fifth Test, scored 17 fours and a six during his stay at the crease.
Rahane was ably helped by Virat Kohli (38), skipper MS Dhoni (68), Ravindra Jadeja (26) and Zaheer Khan (22), who all formed substantial partnership with the Mumbaikar.
India’s lower-middle order, comprising of Dhoni, Jadjea, and Zaheer were in a hurry of some sort, as the trio added 210 runs in the 34 overs bowled after Kohli’s dismissal.
For the hosts the wickets were equally shared by three main seamers Tim Southee (3-93), Trent Boult (3-99) and Neil Wagner (3-106), while Jimmy Neesham, who is on debut, picked up one wicket when he found the way through the defense of Rohit Sharma (0).
